I was going to entitle this post “Japanese sewing books for beginners” because if anyone is nervous about Japanese sewing patterns, then this is the book for them! First, however, my jacket. What can I say? I adore it!
Back view first so that you can see the awesome hood. Then a rather untidy front view, but you get the idea. It has lovely pockets, which are bound with bias binding, as are the armholes and all the other edges.
The jacket is supposed to be fastened with snaps but I couldn’t find my little tool thingy so I used some lovely Chinese frogs which I bought at the Perth Quilt and Craft Fair.
The fabric came from Pitt Trading (thanks to Maria and Susan), but I didn’t have enough for the hood so used a scrap of black fleece, which I think works better anyway. Daft photo of me with the hood up…
and even dafter photo of me trying to look badass in a hoodie! Yeah, I can’t pull it off.
OK, now back to the book: It is a really well set out book, with detailed instructions.
It is by Michiyo Ito, and is a bit bigger than the regular Japanese pattern books and has much more detailed instructions, which are provided in both text and graphic form. I think the best bit though is the patterns. There are six pattern sheets in all and each one seems to have just two patterns on it. This gives a clear, uncluttered layout which is so, so easy to trace off. The pattern pieces also fit together nicely, I had no issues at all with making this pattern.
The sizing is more European. I made the small and it is possibly a little large.
The photographs show sufficient detail that you can see what you are going to get. Here is my jacket.
There are a number of patterns in this book that I am keen to make. They all look relatively straightforward and the designs are classic with the usual Japanese edge.
The details: Quilted jacket from Simply Sewn made from quilted fabric from Pitt Trading. Hood was made from a scrap of black fleece. I have worn this jacket a couple of times, first with my “jeans” made from Vogue 8859 (which I have never blogged), and then with my new pencil skirt. I am wearing a grey cashmere and silk jumper which I hand knitted, and PK ankle boots.
I love this! Especially the frogs. Just bought a whole bunch myself to decorate some gorgeous trousers (http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1050-products-8858.php?page_id=264)
ooh, I love that pattern – sigh!
Looking good!
Really lovely jacket Sue, with great details!
Oh this is gorgeous. I’ve been looking for a good vest pattern all winter. I might have to wait until next year now! You are so badass that you should consider joining my hip hop class. You’d fit right in!
Haha!
Great top, or waistcoat, and hoody! Yes all of these! It fits beautifully, has great pockets and hood, and the fabrics look just right. It goes well with your lovely jumper and skirt too. I must look at this book. I have been put off Japanese books a little by the sizing and the tracing (and by the looseness of many of the designs which I like but don’t suit me.)
What a Badass!!! Love the jacket! I’d love to get my hands on this book. This shirt on the cover looks cool too.
haha, thanks Kate! The shirt is fabulous and on my list, but there are several things in the book that I am lusting after.
Very stylish vest. This looks great with your new skirt too.
Thanks Jean.
I love this! Looks great!
Thank you Sarah!
Love the Jacket, Sue. and the frogs give it a very upstyled look…..
Thank you Lori.
It looks great Sue! I only realised when I got to the end that the very sleeves aren’t part of the jacket. The jumper and best go together great. And speaking of Pitt Trading, I managed to get over there last week to check it out for the first time ever. And I barely looked at their fabrics. What a dedicated stash buster I am! Plus they have so many beautiful trims to keep you occupied.
Isn’t Pitt Trading wonderful? All the bits and pieces are so tempting. I would be there all the time if I lived in Sydney so you are very restrained!
That looks amazing! I love your style Sue. I have some of the other books and must have a go once I can get the time to do a tracing session.
Thank you Grace! The tracing is the killer part 😳
I like your hoodie very much, Sue, and the hand-knit cashmere and silk underneath makes it even better: how soft and cozy it must feel . . . My experience with Japanese pattern books is very limited, but I have only good things to say about the one I’ve tried, Shape Shape (AKA Unique Clothes Any Way You Like). Simply Sewn is going on my list.
Ooooh love it…want it!